The village of Mont d'Astarac is situated on a small hill in the quiet countryside of the southern Gers department (Gascony), north of Saint-Gaudens and south of Auch.
With a history dating back to 930 AD, Mont d'Astarac was at one time an important regional centre and capital of the Astarac region, with fortifications including a deep ditch and walls around the town.
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France This Way review: although it is now a very small and quiet village, Mont d'Astarac is interesting to visitors in search of the authentic 'France profonde' during their travels, and deserves to be visited for its monuments that are registered as historic monuments.
The original entrance to the village is a gateway in the recently restored stone tower. Opposite the tower and also largely restored in recent years, you can see the church and belltower.
The highlight in the church is the exceptional murals dating from the 15th century, discovered in the Church of Saint-Laurent in June 1968 and which allowed the church to regain its former magnificence, a small reminder of the times the counts of Gascony were established here in Astarac.
The murals tell many stories from the bible such as the Last Judgement, the resurrection and the entry into Jerusalem as well as a large panel depicting the 'Tree of Jessé' which traces the lineage of Jesus from Jessé, the father of King David.
Note: these two monuments and several other houses together represent almost the whole of the village of Mont d'Astarac so a visit really does only take a short time: a place to visit if you are passing or want to see the murals rather than somewhere to travel a long way to reach.
Route des Peintures Murales
One attractive route to follow through the region if you are interested in church art and frescoes is the 'Route des Peintures Murales et des Sculptures' proposed by the Gers tourist authorities.
This route visits Mont d'Astarac, then Belloc-Saint-Clemens, Lourties-Montbrun, Seissan and Simorre to the north of here, Chelan and Ponsan-Soubiran to the west and Sariac-Magnoac, Monleon-Magnoac and Boulogne-sur-Gesse to the south.
Not all these churches are always open - see the map and church opening times at Route des Peintures Murals de Gers.
The region around Mont d'Astarac
Exploring the surrounding region you will be struck by the peaceful countryside and the slow pace of life here in Gascony. Among towns and places of interest a little further afield we suggest you visit the market town of Auch and the village and cathedral of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges.
If you are visiting during the first half of August be sure to visit Marciac, home to one of the most important jazz festivals in France.
You can find more travel ideas in the Gers guide and the Midi-Pyrenees guide.
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Map of Mont d'Astarac and places nearby
Visit near Mont d'Astarac with France This Way reviews
Valcabrere
Valcabrere deserves a visit because of the very lovely roman style basilica of Saint-Just de Valcabrère, built on the edge of the village in the 12th century
Valcabrere guide
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges
2000 years ago the town of Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges had 10000 inhabitants - now it has 250! The Saint Bertrand de Comminges cathedral is the highlight in the old town centre
Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges guide
Auch
Auch, the ancient capital of Gascony, has a cathedral and several other historic monuments of interest
Auch guide
Martres-Tolosane
The small village of Martres-Tolosane is known for its faiencerie workshops
Martres-Tolosane guide
Tarbes
The substantial gardens of Jardin Massey are the main place of interest in the centre of Tarbes
Tarbes guide
Cazeres
Cazeres is not a tourist town, but you might like to visit the Church of Notre Dame of the Assumption when in the region
Cazeres guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Gers
Address: Mont-d'Astarac, Masseube, Mirande, Midi-Pyrenees, 32140, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 43.329167, longitude 0.568889
Plan your visit to Mont d'Astarac, Gers
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Jardin de la poterie Hillen: remarkable garden (4 km)
- Montmaurin Gallo-Roman Villa: national monument (13 km)
- Gorges de la Save: site of natural beauty (13 km)
- Valcabrère basilique St Just (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (33 km)
- St Bertrand de Comminges chapelle St Julien (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (33 km)
- Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges: most beautiful village (34 km)
- St Bertrand de Comminges cathédrale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (34 km)
- Auch cathédrale St Just (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (35 km)
- Gouffre d'Esparros: site of natural beauty (38 km)
- Ordan-Larroque: ville fleurie 4* (41 km)
- Tarbes: ville fleurie 4* (41 km)
- Jardin Massey: remarkable garden (41 km)
The French version of this page is at Mont d'Astarac (Francais)